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We've had some banger movies out of Kollywood in 2023, and this just might be my Tamil movie of the year. I was skeptical of a Jigarthanda 'sequel' when this was announced and wasn't sure what to make of the casting, but was blown away by what I watched.

You can write a story about a given topic/around a message, and a good story should be enough for the film. Making a movie about making movie about the same story could almost feel..."Why? Keep it simple & not complicate the plot. Just make it about the message." But no, JDX disagrees. It want's to do what's tough.

Writing/Direction - Easily some of the best work I've seen in recent times. The movie has so many layers that have been written in very seamlessly. I enjoyed the first film, even though I didn't like the transition of tone/genre. I knew JDX would be doing the same, but damn, I didn't expect them to 'use cinema to bring forth change' the way they did. Loved how they went back and forth on what 'shooting' means to different people in the film. I didn't expect the messaging to be hard-hitting and yet, no on-the-nose. Didn't think you could blend of genres this way, but they did.

Raghava Lawrence - role of a lifetime! It's not often that you can steal the show with SJ Surya (who was also really good) in it, but this guy managed it. You've got to watch it to believe it. Support cast - really good.

Music - Santhosh Narayanan and his work elevate almost every scene of the film beyond expectation, especially the ones that are supposed to hit hard. It was very refreshing to listen to his genre of music after continuous bombardment of Anirudh songs, only sung by him, mostly about hero-worshiping.

Cinematography - especially the first half - top notch. The lighting and the colors deserve a special mention. I was bummed out that the 2nd half didn't look as vibrant, but I understand why it was done that way.

I could go on and be more specific, but that would potentially spoil things for you...sooo...Don't miss this film! I'd be very surprised if this doesn't win a bunch of awards next year. Based on how technically epic this film, on the commentaries on various things, and simply based on how well they tell the story of the power of cinema through cinema, this would be in the top 10 Indian films of 2023 to submit for Oscars. I know I haven't watched many other GOOD Indian movies this year, but boy if they sent this film, I don't think I'd disagree one bit!

What a powerful heartfelt movie from Karthik Subbaraj, a true love letter to cinema and cinephiles.

Don't go in expecting another Jigarthanda. It's so much more than that. Where Jigarthanda was how art can influence a person, Double X is about art influencing society, building up to a really powerful ending (quite a few people teared up at the end).

KS weaves multiple genres together of action, crime, drama, comedy, thriller together like it's nothing. Finally, Raghava Lawrence demonstrates that he is an actor and not a joker, what a comeback after the Chandramairu 2 (what was that movie)

I'll make this longer later. It's just truly amazing. A real 'wammala ithan da cinema' moment; so far best Tamil film of the year.

It's been 9 years since Jigarthanda was first released and people still love it to this day. It's considered a modern cult classic of sorts with a noticeable following, and for director Karthik Subbaraj to announce a sequel to one of the industry's most successful movies in a time where sequels exist simply to leech off name recognition, one might have some reasonable reservations about it. Well, this is where I disagree.

The original Jigarthanda was to me an extremely overrated movie. And as much as the word is frowned upon, I can't seem to find a word that describes my feeling towards it better. It was an ugly movie, with not a single likeable character, and where the conflict kept sinking to insufferable lows. It's still beyond me how this movie was ever considered anything more than mediocre. Well, thankfully we have a sequel that takes the same premise as the original and rectifies any and all faults I had with it.

Karthik Subbaraj is now 9 years the wiser, and with his naturally great eye for dramatic storytelling only refined, he finally finds good use for the premise; this time with likeable characters, clearly defined and compelling motivations, and while the occasional ostentatious tendencies do show, it's forgivable as it never impedes with the movie's impressive flow. With a breakneck first half and a resolute second, Jigarthanda Double X ends up being an arresting and fun cinematic experience. Try not to miss it!

Karthik Subbaraj - the film maker is back. What a come back from Karthik. His previous 2 movies could not make it to theaters and went straight to OTT. May be because of that he worked hard on his writing and came with better script. He always finds his ways to keep some suspense in his movies. I don't want to reveal anything about the story. Unexpected treat! Go and enjoy it in screens.

Great scope for Raghava Lawrence to perform and it was nice to see him in this (got bored of his horror comedy movies). Karthik brought the actor side of Lawrence outside. Nadippu Arakkan SJ Suryah did very well to his role. Santosh Narayan enhanced the movie feel with his music.

In a cinematic landscape often overshadowed by low ratings, this particular movie emerges as a defiant masterpiece, skillfully crafted to captivate audiences. It's a rare gem that rekindles the exhilaration of applause within the confines of a theater. The climax, a pivotal moment in this cinematic journey, uniquely resonates with viewers, evoking genuine admiration. What sets this film apart is not the typical triggers of applause-no ostentatious intros or dialogue-driven gimmicks. Instead, it's the sheer brilliance of the screenplay that commands the audience's attention and earns their applause.

As the narrative unfolds, the film weaves a tapestry of storytelling that goes beyond conventional norms. Each scene, carefully orchestrated, contributes to the overall impact, building towards a climax that transcends expectations. The collective applause during this culmination isn't merely a reaction to spectacle; it's a recognition of the nuanced artistry embedded in the screenplay.

Amidst a sea of movies conforming to predictable formulas, this stands out as a must-watch, boldly breaking the mold. It's an experience that lingers, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to witness it within the immersive setting of a theater. The film's ability to resonate with the audience, not through superficial elements but through the depth of its storytelling, is what elevates it to the status of a cinematic gem.

This is more than just a movie; it's a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact it can have when executed with finesse. The applause in the theater isn't just a fleeting reaction; it's a genuine tribute to the artistry that unfolds on the screen. From the first frame to the last, this film manages to transcend its perceived limitations, proving that true cinematic excellence knows no constraints. In a world saturated with entertainment options, this movie emerges as a beacon, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a narrative that defies expectations and stands as a testament to the enduring magic of the silver screen. 🔥🎬

I will not hesitate to keep the Music for this film at the first place. The best element of the movie. Extremely talented musician Santosh Narayanan has elevated each and every scene of the movie with powerful and contentful score.

Acting of each and every cast in the movie is top notch ,Especially SJ suriya and Lawrence.

Direction and script are really very good. Hats off to the team.

Some drawbacks: First half might make the audience a bit not attached to the movie but second half is another level.

This movie is a mixture of Mass, comedy,thrill and social message. A must watch threatrical experince movie.

JDX is clearly Karthik Subbaraj's best work since Jigarthanda. Of course, it brings back the familiar "gangster & filmmaker" trope from the original, though it ups the stakes, emotions, and craft. On the whole, I still prefer the first film because it had a simpler core and didn't have to shoehorn any kind of messaging. But credit where it's due, the second half of JDX takes you into a space you wouldn't expect, (almost) hitting the right emotional notes, as well as showcasing some exceptional bits of writing. The first half of JDX, on the other hand, is probably the most well-shot in all of Subbaraj's films. Cinematographer Tirru is firing on all cylinders, getting the Madurai Western colour palette right and candidly capturing a host of differentially textured characters. SaNa & Subbaraj are an irrefutable combo, and somehow, the latter keeps extracting fantastic background scores from the former.

The writing in the pre-interval block and the climax are terrific. These segments bring out the best in SJ Suryah as a performer, even when they hark back to certain ideas from the first film. The remainder of the film rests on the able shoulders of Raghava Lawrence, who comes up with a spectacular feat. It's to the director's credit that we only see Alliyus Caesar and NOT Raghava Lawrence in the film. The supporting cast also pitches in with emotionally charged performances, and this includes good showings from Nimisha Sajayan and Ilavarasu - plus, the folks who played various members of the tribe. Naveen Chandra, as the antagonist, is impressive. I can say the same for the actor who portrayed Shettani.

Subbaraj's adoration for Clint Eastwood Westerns fully comes through in the first half, and while the humour quotient is less (when compared with the 2014 film), it keeps you visually hooked. The setup is elaborate, and in the beginning, I wondered why Subbaraj took the longest (and intricately detailed) route to get to the seen-before plot point from the first film. But, he surprised me in the climactic portion by offering solid payoffs. The only major downer is the visual effects for the elephant scenes, but I'm willing to let that slide since the makers didn't try to brag/reveal too much in their promotional material about it. On the whole, this is deliciously cooked meta cinema, and a splendid return to form for Karthik Subbaraj, the CINEMA LOVER.

I started Jigarthanda Double X without any expectations, but within the first ten minutes, it completely grabbed my attention. The first half was lighthearted, funny, and effortlessly entertaining, making it easy to stay invested in the story. The humor and flow of events kept things smooth and enjoyable, and I found myself really getting into it.

But then the second half took things in a whole new direction. Just when I thought I had a feel for the movie, the tone changed entirely, shifting from a funny, relaxed vibe to something much more intense and gripping. It felt like a completely different movie in the best way possible. This twist kept things fresh and made the entire experience more exciting and layered, blending humor with drama in a way that worked really well.

S. J. Suryah's performance was outstanding. He brought a lot of energy and depth to his role, making his character both entertaining and memorable. His expressions, timing, and overall acting really added to the film. Watching him felt like a real treat, and he truly delivered in every scene.

Lawrence also did a great job. He brought a grounded feel to his role that balanced out the lighter moments perfectly. His performance was genuine and intense, adding another layer to the story. You could tell he was fully committed to the character, and he made a big impact. The chemistry between Suryah and Lawrence was excellent, with their different styles complementing each other and creating some of the best scenes in the movie.

The screenplay was also well done. It kept the movie moving smoothly from one scene to the next without any awkward transitions. The balance between the humor in the first half and the drama in the second was perfect. There was no forced humor or unnecessary filler, just a clear focus that helped the story shine.

The storytelling was creative and effective. Instead of sticking to a predictable formula, the movie took a few risks with its narrative, which really paid off. The twists were surprising but didn't feel out of place, adding more depth to the plot. It was clear the filmmakers had put a lot of thought into how they wanted the story to unfold, blending different elements to keep it fresh and engaging.

Overall, Jigarthanda Double X was a great watch. It gave me a fun, lighthearted first half followed by a gripping, intense second half. With solid performances from S. J. Suryah and Lawrence, strong writing, and clever storytelling, this movie stands out. Even if you go in with no expectations, it's hard not to get drawn into the film's unique charm and energy.

In short, Jigarthanda Double X is a movie that balances comedy and drama perfectly. With great acting, a well-crafted screenplay, and unexpected twists, it's an enjoyable experience from start to finish. If you're looking for something that can surprise you in a good way, this movie is definitely worth a watch.

The story has pretty good narration. It was well written. Lawrence, S. J. Surya and other side characters truly showed their dedication with their outstanding performances!

Cinematography, Set Locations, Outfits were all top notch. Background music were vibes as well.

Though the movie is lengthy and has slight drags in certain areas, i personally feel every minute of the movie was enjoyable and emotional. Lawrence and S. J. Surya have their respective character developments which just adds onto the already very well written story.

I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you add this to your watchlist if you havent already.

The storyline was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions - a perfect blend of Action, drama, comedy and emotions. Kudos to Karthik Subbaraj for crafting such an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. The cinematography was nothing short of breathtaking. Each frame felt meticulously crafted, contributing to the overall visual feast. It's evident that every shot was chosen with precision, enhancing the storytelling and immersing the audience in the world of Jigarthanda.💥💥Raghava Lawrence, S. J. Surya, and Nimisha Sajayan delivered stellar performances that brought the characters to life. Their nuanced portrayals added depth and authenticity, making me emotionally invested in their journeys. It's refreshing to see such a talented ensemble cast working seamlessly together.

Karthik Subbaraj's direction deserves all the applause. The way he orchestrated the elements of the film showcased his prowess as a filmmaker. The pacing was spot-on, and the narrative unfolded in a way that kept me on the edge of my seat. Subbaraj's unique vision and storytelling style truly set Jigarthanda DoubleX apart.

Jigarthanda Double X (2023) : Brief Review -

FILM OF THE YEAR in mainstream CINEMA! Jigarthanda Double X, in my opinion, is a tight slap to all those people who have overhyped Jigarthanda (2014). It was a good one-time watch, but there was nothing much in it to praise it so much and even get it remade in other languages. After Jigarthanda Double X, I feel pity for those people because they haven't experienced the true class of "Cinema" yet. This is what CINEMA is. This is how you demonstrate the POWER OF CINEMA. This is how you use the cinematic liberty of CINEMA for your real-looking CINEMA. You might have other favourite movies in the artistic zone (even I have) this year, but I dare you if you have any other favourites in mainstream cinema other than Jigarthanda Double X. The mainstream cinema doesn't get better than this. It's not just entertainment, but it's what you call a COMPLETE CINEMA. Jigarthanda looked spoofy even in the climax, and that's why it couldn't end up as a meaningful cinema, but here Jigarthanda Double X triumphs as a MEANINGFUL CINEMA. It has gags, it has filmy moments with some iconic references, it has rawness, it has drama, it has emotions, and then it has political speeches and, above all, the power to shatter you as a human being through a powerful medium called cinema. In recent times, I don't remember any film using the reference of cinema for such a meaningful film except for Raj & DK's "Cinemabandi." I don't know what Subbaraj ate before writing this script, but whatever it was, it should be made a mandatory meal for every mainstream filmmaker who thinks that only mindless action and massy entertainment can be good mainstream cinema. After Pizza, this has to be Subbaraj's best work, but Jigarthanda Double X has an edge above Pizza due to its genre and the impact it leaves on society. Keep a special show of this movie for Clint Eastwood, and I'm sure he will be proud of SJ Suryah, Raghava Lawrence, and Karthik Subbaraj. Strongly Recommended!

RATING - 7.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Okay. I think it is time to scream this into the world. Many are gaslighting that this is pure cinema and everything but as a writer myself, I felt like this is two different scripts amalgamated to one for the sake of runtime. One of the most problematic aspects of being a writer is that you can easily bring up characters and tie knots everywhere, meaning that you can put your characters in unimaginable, inescapable situations but how you are going to undo all the knots and take the characters out without being predictable is where everything matters.

Jigarthanda Double X, such as that, introduces two different characters, who lock horns, but one chooses violence to fight the other, and the other chooses the camera (or cinema) as the weapon. Sure it is a fresh perspective and the way these characters were built, adding on to multiple elements of their existence, the supporting characters, the small but significant back stories - I loved everything. You had this amazing interval block where the knot was complete and all you expected post-interval was for Karthick Subburaj to undo the knot but instead what he did was put more knots on the existing knots and finally blew up everything. Sabash! It was an easy thing to do - a wicked thing.

I mean, you have all these dialogues praising artists and you show the power of cinema - sure the audience who love art are going to weep; But as a critic, you see right through the bs on how cunning all of this is. You wait with expectations that the story is about the characters but later it would be revealed that there is a much larger, typical Tamil cinema cliche storyline that would take the centerplace sidetracking our main characters. And the way the film ends, let us say, it was rather emotional than logical. This film is surely for those who get hyped up by manipulative cinema.

Vetrrich Chelvan Brooks141123-1010.

Boss is back🔥once a GURU always a GURU🔥. Mass Comeback of Karthik Subburaj, what a story & writing. Story, Screenplay & Direction is litt.

Speaking of the Cinematography it's mind-blowing, framing, composition, lighting, colors, art everything is perfect ⚡. Story will keep you engaging throughout the film there's a slight 10-20mins lag in the 2nd half.

Acting & Dialogues: For the first time I felt like someone overshadowed SJ Suryah, what a performance by Lawrence. His acting will make you stunning.

Editing & VFX is sooo realistic, clean and perfect.

Song & BGM: Santosh Narayan and his beats, BGM and Music is littt the songs & beats makes you dance.

The Story is meaningful it has a reason, message and content in it. Worth watching it.

Enna nge periya LCU, enga Thalaivar Karthik Subburaj theriyuma!

Lokesh Kanagaraj should learn more from his GURU.

The film Jigarthanda Double X is a cinematic work belonging to the action and thriller drama genres, directed by Karthik Subbaraj.

The plot is set in the context of two men's lives in 1975. One of the protagonists is Allius Caesar, a gangster based in Madurai and the leader of the Jigarthanda movie club. He is an ardent admirer of Clint Eastwood's cinematic oeuvre and harbours a profound aspiration to portray a main character in a pan-Indian motion picture. He placed advertisements seeking a director with a compelling narrative. The second character is Kirubai Arokiyaraj, a police officer who is fearful of bloodshed and violence. He was imprisoned on a charge of murder due to a misunderstanding. With the assistance of the police, Kirubai arrived with the intention of killing Allius, who had assumed the role of a film director. The production of a biopic about Allius commenced. However, Kirubai was not presented with the opportunity to kill Allius. Kirubai encouraged Allius to create a film that would be impactful and prompt him to travel to the Kanakal village to capture Shettani, a malevolent and violent individual who had a history of harming villagers and hunting elephants. Furthermore, the local populace has been subjected to a series of injustices at the hands of the region's law enforcement personnel. Allius rescued the villagers from the police and apprehended Shettani. He handed shettani over to the government and police. However, the government released Shettani, as the rulers sought to exploit him for their own ends. They oppressed the entire village and killed all of its inhabitants, including Allius. Despite this, Kirubai documented the events that transpired and created a film. The man who initially sought to kill one individual ultimately saved the entire village's history. The film resonated with the public, prompting awareness of the government's atrocities.

The film's narrative powerfully depicts the capacity of cinema to expose political atrocities and one's life.

The narrative is highly engaging, with all performances complementing each other, including those of Raghava Lawrence and S. J. Surya. The direction of Subbaraj is worthy of particular mention, as are the visual placements, songs and background scores, which combine to make the film highly recommendable and of value on repeated watching.

I am giving honest review and overall i liked the movie..The movie duration yes it affected the storyline and little lagg feeling but there are many plus points in the movie we should look out for..This movie is watchable with family..

PLUS POINTS 1. Lawrence Acting,Mannerism,Dialogues,Great Comeback Performance 2. Sj Suryah Apt Role as Director eventhough he was in different mission 3. Village Theme 2nd half with emotions 4. Heroine Stole our Heart again after Chitta movie she lived the Character 5. Message for society and politics strong warning 6. Storyline Good

MINUS POINTS 1. Bgm santosh messed up 2. Movie duration 3.1st 30 min little boring but eventually catch up with Lawrence entry 4. OverHyped after Jigarthanda 1 success caused this to become okayish movie.

Set in the 1970s, Kombai forest tribe is being tortured by the police investing a notorious criminal Shettani. The tribe is also surviving Shettani and gang's atrocities. Elsewhere, an actor's political ambition is thwarted by a stronger opponent within the party. To bring him down, his trusted four men must be eliminated and one of whom is a gangster Alliyus Caesar. The plan to secretly eliminate them pitches Kiruban against Alliyus. With the usage of cinema as a distraction, Kiruban plans to kill Alliyus. Will Kiruban succeed in his mission or does the cinema play a larger role as a weapon when considering the bigger picture forms rest of the story.

This indeed is among my favorite Karthik Subbaraj directorial and it felt personal too. The film can be divided into two halves where first half is in sync with Jigarthanda with Kiruban posing as a film director Ray Dasan tries to film a biography of Alliyus Caesar in the pretext to make him the first black Tamil superstar and win an Oscar award. The second half is where the larger scheme of things is set in motion and Cinema gets unleashed with a personal touch. If first half is fairly entertaining, it is the second half that comes across as a terrific entertainer, making this a must watch. Glad to finally see Raghava Lawrence deliver a memorable act and ever reliable SJ Suryah succeed even when he is not being his yelling self. Special mention to Tirru because there were several mesmerizing shots throughout which I am unable to stop thinking about.

Solid Cinematic Experience: This film delivers a solid cinematic experience. While not reaching mind-blowing or masterpiece status, it stands comfortably above average.

Impressive Direction and Performances: Karthik Subbaraj's direction shines, and S J Surya's performance is killer. The last half hour is a blast, adding a memorable touch to the overall viewing experience.

Well-Told Storyline: The storyline, though not super gripping, is well-told, with some scenes hitting the mark. It weaves together multiple genres seamlessly.

Drawn Out Moments: Despite occasional drawn-out moments, the movie captures attention with its legit locations, top-notch cinematography, and vibing background music.

Worth a Watch: In summary, this film is worth a watch, offering a blend of impressive direction, strong performances, and an engaging if not groundbreaking storyline.

8.1.

Yo, the storyline is okay, not super gripping, ya know? The telling of it is solid, and some scenes are on point, while others kinda drag. There's some exciting bits here and there, but gotta admit, the flick feels a bit drawn out at times. The last half hour is a blast.

Big props to Karhik Subbaraj's direction - dude knows what's up. S J Surya rocks it with a killer performance, Lawrence is crazy, and Shine Tom, Nimisha, Naveen Chandra gave their best.

The locations, sets, and outfits are legit. Cinematography is top-notch, and the background music vibes well.

Overall, it's worth a watch, but don't go in expecting fireworks, ya feel?

Watched JIGARTHANDA XX 2 days ago, and still I couldn't come out from the impact it created on me and I can assure you that WAMMALE ITHAANDA CINEMA It's quite rare for a sequel to outshine its predecessor, but 'Jigarthanda Double X' defies that norm in every aspect. Karthik Subbaraj, much like the prequel, pays tribute to cinema. However, he elevates it further by delving into a socio-political western backdrop, showcasing cinema's immense power to impact, transform, and captivate lives. It's definitely one of the and the most crucial one among the few films that connected with me emotionally. Never ever thought that tears will come out from me for atleast thrice watching a movie even though I was surrounded by people(coz normally I control my emotions Infront of people while watching film)but this time I really couldn't since the film's emotional impact is too strong to handle. It's a must-watch for those who celebrate cinema and impeccable storytelling. Lawrence gave his career best performance while SJ suryah flaunts his never seen subtle acting skills,Dude shows his ever evolving versatility in every movie he is being part of. Every other actors made a memorable performance too. KS proved his peak level Originality and craftsmanship with this extraordinary craft. I think this movie will be the career best for both the actors and the director himself as for now. Finally I found a movie that Excels in every aspect of a film ,be it commercially, artistically, emotionally, politically and Visually. Now I'm really guilty for missing this masterpiece in theatre.

It is as flashy for as much grounded the first part was. The first part was simple down to earth and also relatable in a way. In his want to be stylish, Karthik subburaj has forgot what makes his films great. This film is too complex and overburdened.

The setup is too fast and complex, after a while feels a bit watchable and there is a glimpse of good old subburaj. After the intermission back to bad cinema. Complex, overburdened.

Some things can be changed like the setup to introduce characters, the circumstances feel too ficticious, the stakes Are too high. What made Sergeo Leone good was simple stakes, believable storytelling, and grounded setting.

Cant express how happy I am with the state of Tamil cinema now, Karthik Sabbaraj is a jewel and S J Surya is a gem Before this movie I didnt have much of an appreciation for Raghava lawrence but I have to say, paired with a good director like Karthik, he is amazing and I came out a fan too.

Film is a emotional ride, very rare for films these days to make us cry because they always try to be mass entertainers but someone Karthik strikes a perfect balance of a commercial mass entertainer which also includes emotional tear jerking scenes. Thank you sir! And thank you to SJ Surya and Raghava Lawrence for taking ok this film and blowing us away!

Amazing storytelling, almost all crafts were brilliant. Special mention to Cinematography. One of the most powerful second half of many film that came in the recent past. Career best for Raghava!! Kartik's extraordinary tallent is again there to witness. Set pieces were amazing authentic. Naveen Chandra who usually get mediocre roles in Telugu cinema, has bagged a decent one and outperformed himself. Women charactersbwere always plausible in Kartik Subbaraju's film and this is no different. Background score was amazing and elevated scenes more than it can offer. Song could have been better. Go, watch it, Because you don't choose art, art chooses you!! Thank you.